On Thursday, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Lety described the past 3.55 years in the management of migration, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letympiotis on Thursday described the joint operation for the forced return of third-country nationals organizedthe Republic of Cyprus, which took place on August 26, in cooperation with Frontex and with the participation of Greece and Bulgaria.
During a briefing for media representatives at the Presidential Palace, Mr. Letympiotis stated that in 2022, 17,438 irregular arrivals and 6,539 departures were recorded. In other words, for every 100 irregular arrivals, there were approximately 37 departures. From the time the government took office, he said, through the end of August 2026, there were 20,508 irregular arrivals and 36,922 departures. Today, he stated, for every 100 irregular arrivals, there are 180 departures.
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This change is also reflected in other key indicators, the Spokesperson noted, adding that in the first half of 2026, irregular arrivals were down by 92% compared to the same period in 2022, while the number of pending asylum applications has fallen from approximately 24,000 to fewer than 13,000.
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“From the beginning of 2026 through August 26 alone, 6,027 repatriations took place, while since December 2024, nearly 5,500 Syrian asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection have returned to their homeland. The picture is clear: fewer irregular arrivals, more returns, and a significant reduction in the burden on the asylum system. And today, Cyprus—which just a few years ago was on the front lines of disproportionate migratory pressure— is now in a position to organize joint European return operations itself in cooperation with Frontex.”
This change, he continued, is the result of a coherent policy: enhanced surveillance, faster processing of applications, more voluntary and forced returns, bilateral agreements, and active migration diplomacy.
Our policy remains consistent and balanced, he concluded, referring to “the effective control of irregular migration and full respect for our international and European obligations toward those who are truly entitled to protection”.
Source: CNA
